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Posted by George on March 21, 2004 at 06:34:22:
In Reply to: Re: how do I operate a Heat Exchanger posted by Harold hydronicnetwork.net on February 22, 2004 at 07:21:40:
Just a few comments on the subject:
Harold is most certainly correct about condensation and reduced draft! However, in some cases these considerations are not a big deal.
I installed an old oil heater (100,000 BTU)in a shop area at our non-profit Historical Association where the flue is short and all metal. This discarded heater had a burned out combustion chamber that I repaired and then lined with Cerafelt. The system runs very well and the improved efficiency of the chamber results in pretty high flue temperatures.
I have one of these Van Wert units (5') and plan to install it as soon as I get a motor and fan for it. My feelings are that this unit will improve the overall heating efficiency.
BUT, I would not install one of these units if I had a standard masonry chimney because of the likelyhood that the flue gases in the relatively cold chimney would get below the dew point and would therefore allow acidic (and perhaps combustible) compounds to condense on the surfaces. Such condensation in our short flue will be of no concern since it is so easy to replace.
Harold also stated that new heaters are much more efficient and have already undergone design improvements to wring as much heat as possible out of the flue gases.
Let me know the flue size, motor data, and fan blade size on your unit. This will help me to pick a replacement motor and fan for ours.
George
PS: My previous post had part of Harold's text at the bottom and I think it might have been confusing -- use this one!